About us
Freedom and inclusion through amazing adventures
Bendrigg is a registered charity (no. 508450). We make adventure accessible, working together to overcome barriers and transform lives. We provide residential activity breaks for people of any age or ability at our centre in Cumbria and believe us when we say that anything is possible. You may never have dreamt it was possible to fly down a zip wire or explore the depths of a cave, but at Bendrigg, we make the “impossible” possible!
At our core, we champion the transformative power of adventure, seeing it not just as an individual journey, but as a force that shapes society for the better. Our vision hinges on the Bendrigg experience being a catalyst, reshaping societal perspectives and creating enduring, impactful changes in people’s lives.
To harness the power of adventure to create lasting change and transform communities for all.
We make adventure accessible, working together to overcome barriers and transform lives.
Our values are at the heart of Bendrigg, shaping who we are and how we operate. They’ve been with us since the start, passed down by each employee, volunteer, visitor and supporter. They’re crucial, always leading the way we think and act.
Push past boundaries:
Some limits may be real, but we remove the ones that aren’t. We challenge attitudes, strip away doubts, and break through personal barriers. Removing those limits is how we will make extraordinary things happen. We instill self-belief that reshapes everyday lives for individuals and brings a new understanding that will reshape our communities.
Practise progress:
Every day is a chance to make lasting changes, not just for visitors or their families. We constantly look for improvement and find better ways of working. We challenge traditional approaches, offer innovative ideas, and develop our practice. Little by little, we make big changes – becoming a force for progress far beyond our borders.
One team:
We value each and every individual, but it’s as a team that we excel. From staff and volunteers to first-time visitors and experienced leaders, we all contribute and muck in. We celebrate all our successes and share all our missteps. We are all each other’s cheerleaders and safety nets, trusted advisors, and personal champions. We are all equals.
Make it for everyone:
Opening doors is what we do; to an outdoors full of exciting and empowering adventures, to new abilities and attitudes, to personal potential waiting to be fulfilled. We open these doors for absolutely everyone, with endless flexibility and steadfast adaptability. At Bendrigg, we are exclusively inclusive and we always find a way.
Bring compassion:
Bendrigg is a place built on empathy. By taking the time to listen, being consistently compassionate and valuing each person for who they are, we create a unique haven where kindness is in the air, and adventure is in the offing. At Bendrigg, there is always freedom to have fun, all are welcome, and all are valued.
Embrace nature:
There is no better classroom, there is no better therapy. This place is not just the setting for adventure, the outdoors is part of our purpose and our personality. Stepping outside and connecting with nature spurs our growth and improves our well-being, making an impact that lasts well beyond a visit.
People
We listen and empathise; working together to support and value everyone for the part they play.
Solutions Not Problems
Everyone is different. With a flexible approach, we adapt and encourage everyone to achieve their potential.
Safety & Risk Benefit
Everyone’s wellbeing is paramount in everything we do and we believe in the benefits of adventure and learning to manage risk.
The Outdoor Environment
We value our natural environment. Together with our visitors, we foster a sense of appreciation and environmental responsibility.
Innovation
As a specialist centre, we are forward thinking, pioneering and continually developing to ensure we remain a leader in our field.
Outdoor Learning
We believe in the long-term benefits of outdoor learning and the essential part it plays in the growth and development of our visitors.
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I made life-long friends and I achieved more than I ever imagined
Our history
At Bendrigg we have been enabling disabled people to achieve through adventure for over 45 years. From our beginnings in 1957 with the formation of the Mary Kinross Charitable Trust, to the inclusive and adventurous organisation we are today, see how each milestone has helped us develop.
Our people
Our staff, trustees and volunteers – we’re all one team, working together to overcome barriers and transform lives.
Our impact
Whatever adventure means to each individual, it has the power to empower; to challenge and inspire, to tear down barriers and build up possibilities, to create real and lasting change. The impact of the ‘Bendrigg experience’ can create a ripple effect that lasts well beyond a visit.
Training and consultancy
Bendrigg is proud to be one of the first Outdoor Education Centres in the UK to be awarded the AHOEC GOLD standard for excellent standards of safety and quality in all areas of its provision, proving we are a leader in our field.
We are proud to share our knowledge, expertise and skills with others through our ‘Beyond Bendrigg’ consultancy and training offer.
